Just three days ago, the Russian fleet stationed in the Mediterranean had returned to Tartus after conducting exercises in the eastern Mediterranean.
However, over the past three days, the situation in Syria has changed drastically, with Damascus falling into the hands of the rebels, leading to the collapse of Assad’s regime. The Syrian army loyal to the dictator has dissolved, and the entire country is now under the control of various rebel groups.
Naturally, this includes the Tartus region, where the Russian naval base is located, which is now also under rebel control.
Yesterday, rumors spread about an ultimatum given to Russia, demanding that Russian forces leave the country within 48 hours.
The latest satellite images of the port of Tartus, dated this morning, show empty berths and Russian ships stationed offshore, about ten kilometers from the coast.
The Syrian port hosted two frigates (Admiral Grigorovichย andย Admiral Golovko), a submarine (Novorossiysk), and a tanker (Vyazma)
๐ท๐บMed Sea Flotilla๐ท๐บ
— MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) December 9, 2024
3m๐ท from the port of Tartus on 9 December 2024
Appears that all ๐ท๐บnavy vessels have departed from the military piers
Doesn't 100% mean that they've evacuated but it's starting to look that way…
Time to watch Tobruk maybe? pic.twitter.com/CJW9rYXZ5U
While it’s important not to jump to conclusions, it seems plausible to suggest that the ships have withdrawn from the Syrian port. Whether this “retreat” is temporary remains unclear, but it will be helpful to monitor “friendly” Russian ports, with Tobruk being the primary one, in the coming days to determine whether the Russian fleet has indeed abandoned Tartus.
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